Unit 5 - Digital Sound

Overview

This unit is designed to accredit understanding of digital sound files. You will develop an understanding of what sound is and how it is produced. You will be able to record, edit and review digital sound content from a variety of sources and applications such as WWW, CD ROM and test the sound file(s) created.

Assessment Objectives

By the end of this unit you will be able to:
• Explore the technology required to record original sound
• Plan a digital sound
• Create and edit digital sound
• Review digital sound

This unit will involve you using Audacity. You can download the software here.

Brief

TeenFM used an external company to provide news bulletins. However, feedback from listeners suggests these were not appropriate to the target audience. Therefore, TeenFM are training new staff to produce the news 'in-house'. You have been approached by TeenFM to produce an example radio bulletin to use when training the staff to demonstrate how they want the new news bulletins to sound. TeenFM want a fresh, exciting and engaging approach to delivering the news. The target audience for TeenFM are 12-17 year olds. The bulletin must include a voice over, background sounds, and event sounds that are appropriate. The radio bulletin must last no longer than 1 minute.

Assignment

Activity 1 - AO 1a / 1b

Produce an overview for for the new staff about the purpose and features of digital sound. You should then identify the equipment and technology the new staff will need to record and produce digital sounds. You should include microphones and recording devices.

Activity 2 - AO 2a

Produce an outline brief of what you have been asked to do. You should also clearly record the hardware, software and peripherals you will use. This should include a technical specification. Record this information a planning and review form.

Then plan a storyboard for your radio broadcast. You should identify all the sound clips you will use and any effects you will use.

Activity 3 - AO 3a

Record and source the digital sound clips you will use. You must use an appropriate device to capture at least one sound. Other sounds can be sourced from a web site or other sound libraries, providing copyright is observed. You must also create one e.g. distorting, recorded sounds or creating music.

Sound files should be saved in a suitable format (e.g. WAV, MP3), using a sound package such as Audacity. Appropriate file names should be used and your files need to be saved in a logical place.

You then need to identify the source files, estimated file sizes, sources of and the format of all the sound clips you have created and sourced in the planning section of your planning and review form. Remember to identify any permissions and copyright implications for use.

You should then add the details for for the sound files on the Creation section of the Planning and Review form.

Activity 4 - AO 3b

Produce your news broadcast using the digital sound clips you have recorded and sourced. Include screen shots to show you compiling the news report and include evidence of the tools you have used in the software

Activity 5 - AO 3c

Save the sound file using appropriate settings. Include screenshots showing what you have done and explain your chosen format and settings.

Activity 6 - AO 3d

Test your sound files. When you test the sound file you should consider does it work as it is supposed to?, comment on the the quality of the sound file, does it last an appropriate amount of time? etc.

Activity 7 - AO 4a

Review your work against the the original brief. This should include providing client feedback. Discuss the quality of your finished product, how it is fit for purpose, identify the constraints that influenced your decisions e.g. file formats, permission and subject matter/location, copyright, IPR, trademark etc. You should also comment on the length, style and volume. Evidence should also include feedback from others (e.g. your tutor, colleagues, peers or the target audience and the tutor acting as the client).